Six years after the tragic passing of Sulli (Choi Jin-ri), her family has broken their silence, calling for clear statements from actor Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang (Lee Ro-bae) regarding her involvement in the controversial 2017 film “Real”.
Official Stance from Sulli’s Family
Particularly, in a statement sent to media Hankook Ilbo on March 28, Sulli’s older brother A expressed his condolences to the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who recently passed away. “We spent the last six years in grief, yet were grateful for the support from many,” he said, “But in light of the recent tragedy involving Kim Sae-ron, I could no longer remain silent as if this wasn’t related to us.”
A directed pointed questions at Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang about the filming of bed scenes and nudity involving Sulli, which he claims were not originally detailed in the script.
In his statement, A raised a total of 3 key issues:
Bed scene not included in the original script
- According to A, based on testimonies from staff and actors at the funeral of Sulli, the bed scene between Sulli and Kim Soo-hyun was not originally specified in the script. He requested that Kim Soo-hyun clarify this matter.
- Use of a Body Double: A mentioned that a body double was present on the day of Sulli filming a nude scene, yet the production chose not to use the double and instead persuaded Sulli to perform the bed and nude scenes herself. He demanded an explanation for this decision.
- Contradiction About the Body Double’s Absence: It was claimed that the body double was unable to attend due to illness, but according to accounts from people at the funeral, the double was actually on set. Mr. A asked both Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Sa-rang to clarify this discrepancy.
“Although we heard many things at Sulli’s funeral, I am only asking these three fact-based questions. I hope you will respond sincerely”, Sulli’s brother also stated.
A also shared that he recently contacted the Korean Association for the Prevention of Celebrity Suicides, expressing his support for Kim Sae-ron’s family and his hope that they find peace despite attacks from figures like controversial YouTuber Lee Jin-ho. He went further, stating that he is willing to personally meet with Kim Sae-ron’s family to share in their pain.
Meanwhile, Kwon Young-chan, head of the Korean Association for the Prevention of Celebrity Suicides, stated, “Although it’s late, we extend our sincere condolences to Sulli’s family once again”, adding, “Please stop insulting or harassing the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron with malicious comments.”
Previous SNS Updates
Previously, Sulli’s brother has posted a series of scathing messages on his social media, seemingly directed at Kim Soo-hyun. On March 28, he wrote, “Six years since my sister passed, six years of you turning her into your plaything… I hope you don’t shatter too quickly, because the pain you’ll face should last just as long.”
Earlier on March 21, he also mentioned the film “Real” when reacting to the alleged past relationship of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
Meanwhile, “Real”, which starred Kim Soo-hyun and Sulli in 2017 and was directed by Lee Sa-rang, a founding partner of Kim’s agency Gold Medalist. The film was known for its provocative scenes, and according to Sulli’s family, left a lasting impact on her mental health.
It was reported after filming “Real”, Sulli vowed never to make another movie, and began receiving psychiatric treatment.
